Who goes first? Every Oregon right-of-way scenario, worked through.
Right-of-way questions are among the most-missed on knowledge tests because the rule sounds obvious until the scenario adds a second vehicle. Below is the full scenario set: the universal rule first, then the Oregon-specific version wherever Oregon law sets its own terms.
Who goes first
Funeral Procession at an Intersection
A funeral procession is passing through an intersection. The lead vehicle has entered legally; following vehicles continue with headlights or hazard lights on. What must you do?
Where state law codifies right-of-way for funeral processions, the procession may continue together through the intersection even if the signal changes after the lead vehicle enters legally. Other drivers must yield to the procession and not cut in or break the line. State coverage varies widely; many states are silent.
The Oregon Driver Manual states the rule simply: funeral processions are exempt from certain rules of the road, and other vehicles must yield right of way to them. The statute behind it, ORS 811.802, attaches a trigger: when a procession is accompanied by a funeral escort vehicle or funeral lead vehicle, you must yield to the procession, stop before entering any intersection it is crossing, remain stopped until the entire procession has passed, and obey any direction given by the funeral escort driver. The duty applies to anyone who knew, or with reasonable care should have known, a procession was in progress. Whether or not an escort is present, it is illegal to drive between vehicles in a procession or to join one you are not part of (ORS 811.810). Vehicles in the procession may follow their lead vehicle through an intersection without stopping, regardless of the signal, as long as the lead vehicle entered the intersection lawfully (ORS 811.804).
Active Emergency Vehicle Approaching
An emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren on. What must you do?
Pull as far to the right as is safe, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle and any others following it have passed. Do not block intersections. On divided highways, the rules for opposing-direction traffic vary by state, described in the state-specific rule below.
When an emergency vehicle approaches from any direction with lights or siren on, immediately drive as close as you safely can to the right side of the road and stop. Do not stop in an intersection, and do not stop or drive in a way that interferes with emergency vehicles. Stay stopped until the vehicle has passed or until an officer tells you to move. If you then proceed behind an emergency vehicle responding to an emergency, stay at least 500 feet back. In a roundabout, do not stop inside the circle: keep moving, exit, then pull to the right. The duty applies to oncoming traffic too: the manual states the rule for emergency vehicles approaching from any direction and, unlike the school-bus rule, gives it no divided-highway exception.
Exiting a Driveway, Alley, or Private Road
You are pulling out of a driveway onto a public street. A pedestrian is walking on the sidewalk. What must you do?
When exiting a driveway, alley, or private road onto a public street, you must yield to all road traffic and to any pedestrian on the sidewalk you must cross. Stop at the sidewalk, let the pedestrian pass, then look both ways before pulling onto the street.
Highway On-Ramp Merge
You are entering a highway via an on-ramp. What must you do?
When entering a highway, the merging vehicle yields to mainline traffic. Match the speed of the highway traffic in the acceleration lane, look for a safe gap, signal, and merge smoothly. Do not stop on the ramp unless traffic conditions absolutely require it.
Single-Lane Roundabout, Entering
You are approaching a single-lane roundabout. A vehicle is already in the circle. What must you do?
When entering a roundabout, yield to all traffic already in the circle. Wait for a safe gap, then enter, drive counterclockwise, and exit at your intended street. Use your right turn signal as you approach your exit.
Pedestrian in a Marked Crosswalk
A pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk in your direction of travel. What must you do?
Yield to the pedestrian. Stop before the crosswalk and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared your half of the road and, in many states, until they have fully crossed. Specific stopping requirements and pass-on-the-left rules vary by state.
Every public-road intersection in Oregon has a crosswalk, marked or not. You must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian crossing in any crosswalk when the pedestrian is in your lane, in the lane next to yours (including a bike lane), or in the lane you are turning into. A pedestrian counts as crossing the moment any part of them, or an extension like a cane, wheelchair, or bicycle, moves onto the road. When you are turning at an intersection with a traffic signal, the pedestrian must be at least six feet clear of the lane you are turning into before you may begin the turn. At an intersection without a traffic signal, the pedestrian must be past your turning lane and the next lane before you go. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; the driver may be waiting for someone to cross.
Source: ORS 811.028
Left Turn on Solid Green Light
You have a solid green light and want to turn left. Oncoming traffic also has a solid green. What must you do?
On a solid green light, a left turn is permitted but not protected. You must yield to all oncoming through traffic and to any pedestrians legally crossing your turn path. Only complete the turn when the way is clear.
Yield Sign
You approach a yield sign. What must you do?
A yield sign means you must slow down, prepare to stop if necessary, and give the right of way to all crossing or through traffic before proceeding. You only stop fully if traffic conditions require it.
T-Intersection, Uncontrolled
You are on the road that ends at a T-intersection (no stop sign, no yield sign). Through traffic crosses your path on the road at the top of the T. What must you do?
At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the through road (the road at the top of the T) has the right of way. The vehicle on the terminating road yields to all traffic on the through road before turning.
Two Vehicles Meeting on a Narrow Mountain Road
On a narrow mountain road with no room for two vehicles to pass, you meet an oncoming vehicle. Who must back up?
Where state law codifies the rule, the vehicle traveling downhill must yield by backing up to a wider section, since reversing uphill is more difficult. Most state manuals are silent on this scenario; in those states, drivers should use courtesy and judgment.
Oregon has no statute or driver-manual entry that assigns right of way when two vehicles meet on a narrow road or single-lane mountain grade with no room to pass. In states that do codify the rule, the vehicle traveling downhill yields by backing to a wider section, since reversing uphill is harder to control. Oregon drivers should follow that convention as a matter of courtesy and judgment, and should look for pull-outs in advance on any single-lane forest or coast-range road.
Uncontrolled Intersection, Sequenced Arrival
Two vehicles approach an uncontrolled intersection at different times (no stop signs, no signals, no yield signs). Who proceeds first?
At an uncontrolled intersection, the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. The second vehicle yields and waits for the first to clear.
2-Way Stop, Stopped Vehicle Yields to Cross Traffic
You are stopped at a stop sign. The cross street has no stop sign. When can you proceed?
At a 2-way stop, the cross street has the right of way and does not stop. You must wait until the intersection is clear in both directions and you can proceed without forcing other drivers to slow or change course.
Motorist Turning Right Across a Bike Lane
You want to turn right at the next intersection. There is a cyclist in the bike lane to your right. What must you do?
Yield to the cyclist before crossing the bike lane. Look over your right shoulder and check your right-side mirror, signal, and slow until you can confirm no cyclist is in or approaching your turn path. Begin the turn only when the bike lane is clear.
4-Way Stop, Sequenced Arrival
Two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at different times. Who proceeds first?
The first vehicle to come to a complete stop has the right of way. The second vehicle waits for the first to clear the intersection, then proceeds. Each subsequent vehicle proceeds in the order it stopped.
Pedestrian at an Unmarked Crosswalk
A pedestrian is crossing at an intersection where there are no painted crosswalk lines. What must you do?
Every public-road intersection has an implied crosswalk, marked or not. Yield to a pedestrian crossing at the unmarked crosswalk just as you would at a marked one. State coverage of unmarked-crosswalk rules varies; some statutes only protect marked crosswalks explicitly.
Every public-road intersection in Oregon has a crosswalk, marked or not. You must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian crossing in any crosswalk when the pedestrian is in your lane, in the lane next to yours (including a bike lane), or in the lane you are turning into. A pedestrian counts as crossing the moment any part of them, or an extension like a cane, wheelchair, or bicycle, moves onto the road. When you are turning at an intersection with a traffic signal, the pedestrian must be at least six feet clear of the lane you are turning into before you may begin the turn. At an intersection without a traffic signal, the pedestrian must be past your turning lane and the next lane before you go. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; the driver may be waiting for someone to cross.
Source: ORS 811.028
Multi-Lane Roundabout, Entering
You are approaching a multi-lane (two-lane) roundabout. What must you do differently from a single-lane roundabout?
At a multi-lane roundabout, yield to all traffic in both circulating lanes before entering. Choose your lane on approach based on your destination (right lane to exit at the first or second street, left lane to go further). Do not change lanes while inside the circle. Signal right before exiting.
Uncontrolled Intersection, Simultaneous Arrival
Two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time. Who proceeds first?
When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. The vehicle on the left yields.
4-Way Stop, Simultaneous Arrival from Perpendicular Directions
Two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at the same moment, on perpendicular roads. Who proceeds first?
When two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time on perpendicular roads, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. The vehicle on the left yields and waits for the right-hand vehicle to clear the intersection.
Pedestrian with a White Cane or Guide Dog
A pedestrian carrying a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog is at the curb or in the crosswalk. What must you do?
All states require drivers to yield to pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired and identifiable by a white cane or guide dog. Stop and wait until the pedestrian has fully cleared the roadway, regardless of marked-vs-unmarked crosswalk distinctions. Many states impose elevated penalties for failure to yield in this situation.
Every public-road intersection in Oregon has a crosswalk, marked or not. You must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian crossing in any crosswalk when the pedestrian is in your lane, in the lane next to yours (including a bike lane), or in the lane you are turning into. A pedestrian counts as crossing the moment any part of them, or an extension like a cane, wheelchair, or bicycle, moves onto the road. When you are turning at an intersection with a traffic signal, the pedestrian must be at least six feet clear of the lane you are turning into before you may begin the turn. At an intersection without a traffic signal, the pedestrian must be past your turning lane and the next lane before you go. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; the driver may be waiting for someone to cross.
Source: ORS 811.028
4-Way Stop, Opposing Vehicles, One Turning Left
Two vehicles face each other at a 4-way stop. Both stop at the same time. One intends to go straight (or turn right); the other intends to turn left. Who proceeds first?
When opposing vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop simultaneously and one intends to turn left, the through (straight) or right-turning vehicle has the right of way. The left-turning vehicle yields until oncoming traffic clears.
What the signal means
Left Turn on Green Arrow
You have a green left-turn arrow. What does this mean?
A green left-turn arrow gives you a protected turn. Oncoming traffic has a red signal and is required to stop. Proceed through the turn while watching for pedestrians who may still be in the crosswalk.
Flashing Red Signal
You approach an intersection with a flashing red signal. What must you do?
Treat a flashing red signal exactly as you would a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield to all cross traffic, and proceed only when the way is clear.
Flashing Yellow Signal
You approach an intersection with a flashing yellow signal. What must you do?
A flashing yellow signal warns you to slow down and proceed with caution. You do not need to stop. Watch for cross traffic and pedestrians, especially since drivers on the cross street may have a flashing red and may be entering the intersection.
What the law requires of you
School Bus with Red Flashers Active
A school bus has stopped on the road ahead with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended. What must you do?
On an undivided road, all vehicles in both directions must stop and remain stopped until the bus turns off its red flashers, retracts the stop arm, and begins to move. On a divided highway, opposing-direction traffic may be exempt depending on the median configuration; the state-specific rule below describes when the exemption applies.
When a school bus is stopped on the road with its red lights flashing, you must stop before reaching the bus and remain stopped until the driver turns off the flashing red lights. Amber flashers mean the bus is about to stop; prepare to stop. The only exception is a divided highway where the two directions are separated by an unpaved median strip or a barrier, and you are on the opposite side from the bus. A painted median or a turn lane does not divide the road for this rule, so all lanes still have to stop.
Source: ORS 811.155
Cyclist at a Stop Sign
A cyclist approaches a stop sign. Must they come to a full stop?
By default, cyclists must obey stop signs the same as motor vehicles: come to a full stop, yield to cross traffic, then proceed. Several states permit the "Idaho stop" (also called "safety stop" or "stop-as-yield"), which allows a cyclist to treat a stop sign as a yield sign when safe. The state-specific rule below describes the local treatment.
Oregon allows the safety stop, sometimes called the Idaho stop, for bicycles. A person riding a bicycle who approaches an intersection controlled by a stop sign or a flashing red signal may slow to a safe speed and proceed without coming to a full stop. The cyclist still has to yield to any traffic lawfully in the intersection or close enough to be a hazard, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, obey police officers and flaggers, and exercise care to avoid a collision. The rule covers stop signs (ORS 814.414) and flashing red signals (ORS 814.416); a steady red light still requires a full stop. As a driver, expect cyclists to roll through stop signs and flashing reds at low speed rather than place a foot down, and yield to them when they have the right-of-way.
Source: ORS 814.414 (stop signs); ORS 814.416 (flashing red signals)
Stopped Emergency or Disabled Vehicle on the Shoulder
You see an emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder with lights flashing, or a disabled vehicle with hazards on. What must you do?
Move Over laws require you to change lanes away from the stopped vehicle when safe to do so. If you cannot change lanes, slow significantly below the posted speed limit and pass with extra caution. Specifics on which vehicles trigger the law and the required speed reduction vary by state.
Oregon's move-over law applies to any motor vehicle stopped with lights flashing: emergency vehicles, tow trucks, road maintenance, disabled passenger vehicles, all of them. On a road with two or more lanes going the same direction, drivers must:
- Change lanes away from the stopped vehicle (preferred), OR
- If a lane change is unsafe or impossible, slow down to at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit and pass with as much room as safely possible.
For active emergency vehicles using lights or sirens, drivers must pull as close as safely possible to the right side of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed, then maintain at least 500 feet behind it.
Right Turn on Red
You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right. What must you do?
After a complete stop at the red light, you may turn right unless a sign prohibits the turn. Yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk before proceeding. Some states or specific intersections prohibit right-on-red by default; the state-specific rule below describes the local default.
Right turns on red are allowed by default after a complete stop and a yield to traffic and pedestrians, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. Left turns on red onto a one-way road are also permitted after stopping and yielding, whether you approach from a one-way or a two-way road. The only left on red Oregon prohibits is a turn onto a two-way road.
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